INTRODUCTION
The historic town of Bristol, Rhode Island, known for its extravagant annual Fourth of July celebration, is a spirited town on a peninsula with Narragansett Bay on its west and Mount Hope Bay on its east. Mt. Hope High School, home of the Huskies, is the one and only high school in Bristol, located on 199 Chestnut Street. The school is a second home to 1078 students and 105 teachers, which is a predominantly white group. This school is known as a slightly above average school and the findings support that notion. Though there are many places to get statistics about Mt. Hope from the views of both the students and the teachers, this report will tie the two views together.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Our society often rates student achievement through many different state and nationwide standardized tests. Mt. Hope High School is rated mainly on the NECAP assessments given in the 11th grade based on different subjects. The quality of the NECAP scores for Mt. Hope vary in different subjects. While both the reading and writing scores were well above the states average in 2009-2010, the reading scores have consistently been the highest for this school. It is in math and science that we see weaknesses in both the school and the state. The school's math scores have fluctuated for the past few years, with last years scores showing 39% proficiency, which is above the statewide proficiency (33%), but less than a school would hope for. There is a similar, but more disappointing, trend with the science scores. In 2010-2011, the statewide proficiency was a mere 26%. Comparatively, Mt. Hope was 36% proficient. Despite what anyone thinks of the statewide averages, on paper, Mt. Hope High School is above average in every subject of the NECAP assessments. (Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), 2011)[1]
The nationwide standardized tests used to rate high school students' level of achievement are the SAT and AP exams. The SAT scores in 2010-2011 for mathematics, reading, and writing were 484, 488, and 473 respectively. These were right on track with both state and nationwide averages, with exception to that nationwide average for mathematics, which was a bit higher at 514. Statistically speaking, there is a low percentage of the student body that participates in the AP curriculum, and of those that do participate, the percentage of students that receive AP credit is lower still (roughly 33%). Although the standardized tests mentioned above are used to rate schools, the teachers also play a pivotal role in student achievement. An astounding 96% of students reported that their teachers give them tough problems to solve in class, which is what leads to these students' level of achievement. (RIDE, 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010) [2]
TEACHING
It is imperative that the atmosphere of the learning environment be conducive to the students learning capabilities. The success of the student weighs heavily on the educator, and therefore the teacher's methods, strategies, and communication must be of a quality standard in order to best benefit the pupil. With a teacher-student ratio of 11:1 and 99% of the teachers highly qualified, Mt. Hope High school looks great statistically. Although the state statistics look equally as impressive, the student's input on their teachers encourage the fact that Mt. Hope has many quality teachers. (RIDE, 2011)
Even more important is how the students feel about their teachers, which was addressed in the survey they took. Students look up to teachers in many ways, and grow from their passion. At Mt. Hope, 82.4% say that at least some of their teachers inspire them to do their best work and 83.3% say that at least some of their teachers care about them personally. These are right on average with the state as a whole, and indicates that the educators in Rhode Island impact students lives. Last but not least, 78.4% of students believe that their teachers expect them to go to college, giving these students extra motivation to succeed. (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
The background, experiences, and expectations of both family and community impacts each student greatly. Parents' views often influence their children's views, which is beneficial for Mt. Hope High School, where almost 80% of students say their parents think it is a good school. An even more positive statistic is that 91% of the students feel like there is an adult in the community, other than their parent or guardian, who thinks they will go to college. This is encouraging because it shows the great support system in the community. Along with the people that inspire the students, there are the extra-curricular activities which keep them active and engaged in the community. When asked about activities outside of school, 61.1% says they are involved in sports and 41.6% says they play music. On top of that, 47.2% of the student body is employed, which is a good bit more than the state's average of 38%. Overall, family and a supportive community are crucial when it comes to students succeeding not only in life, but academics as well. (RIDE 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE SCHOOLS
Students need to feel safe to be able to focus on academics, which is an important fact to understand. The school's graduation rate maintains a quality 85.2%, which is 10% more than the state average. Stability within the student body again exceeds the state average at a strong 92%. Attendance is level with state average at 91%, but the one issue that is at odds with the states average is absenteeism (at 25%) and school suspensions (accounting for 2,133 of the states 24,491 incidents). While this does not affect the graduation rates or student body stability, it is still an issue of concern that warrants attention. Additionally, roughly 45% of students have reported to social bullying (a statistic hinged on reported incidents), and 23% have admitted to receiving physical harassment from their peers, both percentages being marginally higher than the states average. Although the safety could be improved, it is above the state's average. (RIDE 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
FUNDING AND RESOURCES
Besides the people in Mt. Hope High School that make it a place for children strive for excellence, it is the amount of funding and resources the school has. Bristol Warren (Mt. Hope's district) is one of the 36 districts in Rhode Island. The district's per pupil expenditure is $17,202, which is 5th in the state, an incredible accomplishment. However, the district's median family income is $53,740 which is 28th in the state. No matter what the numbers are, the students will always give the harsh reality check on what needs to be improved around the school. Although the students report gym equipment and computer labs to be decent and on track with the state, an overwhelming 42.2% of the students reported that their textbooks are more than 10 years old. Although these numbers do match up with the state, one would hope it would be above average seeing as it is 5th in funding. (RIDE 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
CONCLUSION
Mt. Hope High School's mission statement is "to educate all students to become skillful learners and responsible, productive citizens." Through student achievement, teaching, family and community, safety, and funding, this mission statement has been held to high standard. As each student memorizes the statement, it becomes embedded in their mind as a life motto. Through all the information assembled, one can get a clear picture of Mt. Hope. While Mt. Hope has its' weaknesses, it seems to be in a very supportive community which is very encouraging for any future students. This Bristol Warren district has a great high school with passionate teachers who make the school even better.
^Rhode Island Department of Education. (2010). InfoWorks LIVE! A Rhode Island Education Data Initiative - RIDE.ri.gov. Mt. Hope High School. Retrieved October 31, 2011, from http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/school/mt-hope-high-school
INTRODUCTION
The historic town of Bristol, Rhode Island, known for its extravagant annual Fourth of July celebration, is a spirited town on a peninsula with Narragansett Bay on its west and Mount Hope Bay on its east. Mt. Hope High School, home of the Huskies, is the one and only high school in Bristol, located on 199 Chestnut Street. The school is a second home to 1078 students and 105 teachers, which is a predominantly white group. This school is known as a slightly above average school and the findings support that notion. Though there are many places to get statistics about Mt. Hope from the views of both the students and the teachers, this report will tie the two views together.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Our society often rates student achievement through many different state and nationwide standardized tests. Mt. Hope High School is rated mainly on the NECAP assessments given in the 11th grade based on different subjects. The quality of the NECAP scores for Mt. Hope vary in different subjects. While both the reading and writing scores were well above the states average in 2009-2010, the reading scores have consistently been the highest for this school. It is in math and science that we see weaknesses in both the school and the state. The school's math scores have fluctuated for the past few years, with last years scores showing 39% proficiency, which is above the statewide proficiency (33%), but less than a school would hope for. There is a similar, but more disappointing, trend with the science scores. In 2010-2011, the statewide proficiency was a mere 26%. Comparatively, Mt. Hope was 36% proficient. Despite what anyone thinks of the statewide averages, on paper, Mt. Hope High School is above average in every subject of the NECAP assessments. (Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), 2011)[1]
The nationwide standardized tests used to rate high school students' level of achievement are the SAT and AP exams. The SAT scores in 2010-2011 for mathematics, reading, and writing were 484, 488, and 473 respectively. These were right on track with both state and nationwide averages, with exception to that nationwide average for mathematics, which was a bit higher at 514. Statistically speaking, there is a low percentage of the student body that participates in the AP curriculum, and of those that do participate, the percentage of students that receive AP credit is lower still (roughly 33%). Although the standardized tests mentioned above are used to rate schools, the teachers also play a pivotal role in student achievement. An astounding 96% of students reported that their teachers give them tough problems to solve in class, which is what leads to these students' level of achievement. (RIDE, 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010) [2]
TEACHING
It is imperative that the atmosphere of the learning environment be conducive to the students learning capabilities. The success of the student weighs heavily on the educator, and therefore the teacher's methods, strategies, and communication must be of a quality standard in order to best benefit the pupil. With a teacher-student ratio of 11:1 and 99% of the teachers highly qualified, Mt. Hope High school looks great statistically. Although the state statistics look equally as impressive, the student's input on their teachers encourage the fact that Mt. Hope has many quality teachers. (RIDE, 2011)
Even more important is how the students feel about their teachers, which was addressed in the survey they took. Students look up to teachers in many ways, and grow from their passion. At Mt. Hope, 82.4% say that at least some of their teachers inspire them to do their best work and 83.3% say that at least some of their teachers care about them personally. These are right on average with the state as a whole, and indicates that the educators in Rhode Island impact students lives. Last but not least, 78.4% of students believe that their teachers expect them to go to college, giving these students extra motivation to succeed. (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
The background, experiences, and expectations of both family and community impacts each student greatly. Parents' views often influence their children's views, which is beneficial for Mt. Hope High School, where almost 80% of students say their parents think it is a good school. An even more positive statistic is that 91% of the students feel like there is an adult in the community, other than their parent or guardian, who thinks they will go to college. This is encouraging because it shows the great support system in the community. Along with the people that inspire the students, there are the extra-curricular activities which keep them active and engaged in the community. When asked about activities outside of school, 61.1% says they are involved in sports and 41.6% says they play music. On top of that, 47.2% of the student body is employed, which is a good bit more than the state's average of 38%. Overall, family and a supportive community are crucial when it comes to students succeeding not only in life, but academics as well. (RIDE 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE SCHOOLS
Students need to feel safe to be able to focus on academics, which is an important fact to understand. The school's graduation rate maintains a quality 85.2%, which is 10% more than the state average. Stability within the student body again exceeds the state average at a strong 92%. Attendance is level with state average at 91%, but the one issue that is at odds with the states average is absenteeism (at 25%) and school suspensions (accounting for 2,133 of the states 24,491 incidents). While this does not affect the graduation rates or student body stability, it is still an issue of concern that warrants attention. Additionally, roughly 45% of students have reported to social bullying (a statistic hinged on reported incidents), and 23% have admitted to receiving physical harassment from their peers, both percentages being marginally higher than the states average. Although the safety could be improved, it is above the state's average. (RIDE 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
FUNDING AND RESOURCES
Besides the people in Mt. Hope High School that make it a place for children strive for excellence, it is the amount of funding and resources the school has. Bristol Warren (Mt. Hope's district) is one of the 36 districts in Rhode Island. The district's per pupil expenditure is $17,202, which is 5th in the state, an incredible accomplishment. However, the district's median family income is $53,740 which is 28th in the state. No matter what the numbers are, the students will always give the harsh reality check on what needs to be improved around the school. Although the students report gym equipment and computer labs to be decent and on track with the state, an overwhelming 42.2% of the students reported that their textbooks are more than 10 years old. Although these numbers do match up with the state, one would hope it would be above average seeing as it is 5th in funding. (RIDE 2011) (RIDE, 2009, 2010)
CONCLUSION
Mt. Hope High School's mission statement is "to educate all students to become skillful learners and responsible, productive citizens." Through student achievement, teaching, family and community, safety, and funding, this mission statement has been held to high standard. As each student memorizes the statement, it becomes embedded in their mind as a life motto. Through all the information assembled, one can get a clear picture of Mt. Hope. While Mt. Hope has its' weaknesses, it seems to be in a very supportive community which is very encouraging for any future students. This Bristol Warren district has a great high school with passionate teachers who make the school even better.